Blog

If you just bought your very first car... CONGRATS! Buying a vehicle is a huge step and something to be proud of. With car ownership, though, comes a lot of responsibility. A vehicle is a big investment, so you want to do everything you can to keep it in like-new condition - it'll not only give you the best performance possible but also ensure you retain value so you can get more bang for your buck if you want to sell it in the future. Luckily for you, our Orlando auto service techs have put together a few car care tips for first-time car owners! Learn how to care for your first car like a pro Tip #1: Never ignore a warning light, weird smell, or odd noise. It's tempting to pretend you don't see that warning light in the dash or to turn up the radio to drown out that odd sound you keep hearing. After all, who knows how much it'll cost to fix? Don't give into the temptation! Delaying necessary car repairs can just make issues evolve into bigger, more expensive, and more serious issues down the road. If something is off with your ride, bring it into Toyota of Orlando so our techs can check things over for you. Tip #2: Take a look at the owner's manual as soon as you buy the car. The owner's manual is basically a bible for your car. It'll give you all the information you need to know to be a responsible owner, including things like what service schedule to follow, which oil to use, which gasoline you should put in the tank, and more. Skim through it so you have a basic idea of how to handle car care, and keep it close by (like in the glovebox) for your reference. Tip #3: Get your vehicle on a car care schedule with a mechanic. The best way to take excellent care of your vehicle is to immediately put it on a car care schedule. This way, you never miss an important service like an oil change, tire rotation, or inspection. Toyota of Orlando's service techs can help you set up the right schedule for your vehicle's needs and keep you on it, sending you reminders when you're due to come in for a visit. Tip #4: Know how to handle car care emergencies. Knowing how to handle car care emergencies quickly and efficiently can save you a lot of time and money. Educate yourself on how to deal with common ones, like a flat tire, an overheated car, a dead batter, and collisions/accidents BEFORE you start hitting the road regularly. Tip #5: Detail your car inside and out on a regular basis. A big part of car maintenance is keeping your car LOOKING like-new, too! This helps retain value and prevent problems like rust, mold, and mildew. Be sure to thoroughly detail the inside and outside of your car on a routine basis to protect it from the elements and keep it in the best shape possible. Let Toyota of Orlando get you on a maintenance schedule today Need help getting on a car care schedule? Call Toyota of Orlando today and talk to one of our techs at (407) 298-0001!

Summer is here - we're well into the 100's when you count the heat index and things are scorching hot in the City Beautiful. In extreme temps like this, it's essential to care for your ride so it can still handle taking on the open road, whether you're getting around town for your day-to-day commute or hitting the highway for a summer road trip. Toyota of Orlando is here to discuss 5 common car care mistakes that drivers make in the summer - avoid them so you can save yourself a headache AND a big repair bill. See what our auto service techs have to say below. Don't make these car care mistakes as things heat up Mistake #1: Not checking your tires often. Summer takes a toll on your tires. The roads are hot and when you combine that with the friction caused by your wheels turning, you have a recipe for blowouts and flat tires. Schedule routine tire car care to keep them in good shape. You'll want to inspect them weekly for any signs of damage, check the PSI to ensure they're inflated enough, and get tire rotations on a regular basis so all four tires wear evenly and last longer. Mistake #2: Forgetting about your wiper blades. Summer means sun, right? Yes, but in Orlando, it also means almost daily rainstorms. Neglecting your wiper blades can seriously impede your field of vision, so it's essential to ensure that they're in good shape. Look for signs of damage like squealing noises, damage to the rubber strips, or water being smeared around your windshield instead of cleared off. Our Orlando Toyota parts store can get you an affordable replacement set. Mistake #3: Ignoring your cooling system. Summertime means soaring temperatures, which translates to your car working overtime to stay cool. Ignoring your cooling system can be a fatal car care mistake! You need to ensure that your vehicle always has enough coolant in the tank and that the cooling system is working properly to keep everything under the hood at the right temperature, no matter how far or fast you're driving. Make sure you have our Orlando auto service techs check things out. Let Toyota of Orlando help you keep your ride cool this summer Mistake #4: Putting off your oil changes. Coolant is essential for keeping your ride at the right temps, but oil is right up there with it. Oil ensures that your car's engine stays cool and doesn't overheat (and subsequently meld together and be absolutely ruined). You need to stay on a schedule with this type of car care so your car can do what it needs to do without overheating. Mistake #5: Not protecting your car from the sun. The strong summer sun can do a number on your ride, so be sure to protect it. Park in the shade whenever you can, use a sunshade to protect your dash, tint your windows, and apply wax regularly to shield your car's paint from fading. Need some assistance in NOT making these car care mistakes? Visit Toyota of Orlando to shop our parts store and talk to one of our techs in person. We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular as people make an effort to do their part for the planet. These vehicles not only use fewer natural resources, but they also put fewer emissions out into the air and cut down on pollution and smog. Toyota has two electric - aka EV - models on the market right now, as well as a whole slew of hybrid cars that use both electric power and internal combustion (a gasoline engine) to get drivers where they need to go. But what is owning an electric car REALLY like? Toyota of Orlando is here to give you the scoop on what's entailed when it comes to maintenance, warranties, and keeping your ride charged up and ready to hit the road. Toyota of Orlando explains the ins and outs of EVs CAR MAINTENANCE Let's talk about upkeep first. Some drivers are reticent to sink their money into electric cars because they think it'll cost more to maintain these eco-friendly vehicles. Guess what? It's actually the opposite. Internal combustion engines - ones that use gasoline to stay powered - have hundreds of hoses, electrical components, and other moving parts that are prone to fail over time and have to maintained on a regular basis. Electric cars, on the other hand, are composed of maybe a dozen parts with the largest being the lithium-ion battery that keeps everything going. This means they're cheaper to maintain on a routine service schedule at Toyota of Orlando. With that in mind, it's important to stick to a schedule and regularly have the car's battery inspected. Lithium-ion batteries are notoriously expensive to replace when something goes wrong; we're talking between $5,000 and $6,000. It's not the $15,000 that it used to be, but it's still a hefty repair bill. That's why it's key to check your battery regularly to ensure it's in good condition and there are no leaks or defects. WARRANTIES Here's some more good news - you don't necessarily have to stress over battery replacements because Toyota electric cars come with extensive warranties to give you peace of mind. Most EV cars come with an 8 year/10,000 mile warranty so you don't have to stress over mechanical failures when you're investing in such an eco-friendly ride. Additionally, you can purchase extended warranties to stretch out coverage if you're so inclined. FUELING UP It's also quick and easy to keep your car charged up so you're ready to hit the road whenever. You'll find charging stations throughout Orlando if you need to charge on the go, and when you're at home it's as simple as using the provided charging cord to hook your vehicle up to an electrical outlet and then go relax. The only drawback is that charging stations in the city usually take 30 minutes to 2 hours to fully charge your ride, while charging at home can take up to 12 hours. It's not as fast as gassing up at 7-11, but it IS a lot cheaper and a lot more friendly to the environment. Take one for a test drive today Are you ready to take the plunge and become the owner of an electric car? Visit Toyota of Orlando today - we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

When it comes to car repairs, some people like a DIY approach. They get satisfaction out of fixing their vehicles with their own hands in the comfort of their garage, and we get it. However, some car repairs are just better left to the professionals for a multitude of reasons. Our Orlando auto service techs are here to explain in depth when you should seek expertise at our Toyota Service Center instead of tackling repairs at home. Do your car repairs require expert knowledge? Repair #1: Car computer issues. Car computers are getting more and more complex over time, and they control more and more aspects of your vehicle. These computerized systems run diagnostics, keep sensors operating, and more. Unfortunately, you'll need special tools and expert knowledge to repair issues with your car computer and if you mess it up, it can mean an extremely expensive car repair bill after the fact. Leave these issues to the professionals at Toyota of Orlando. Repair #2: Electrical repairs. It's one thing to replace a burnt out fuse, bulb, or spark plug, but it's entirely another to tackle your car's electrical system for bigger issues. Trying to keep track of all the wires, harnesses, and assemblies can be extremely confusing, leaving you open to make mistakes. Schedule auto service for electrical car repairs. Repair #3: Radiator replacement. The radiator is essential to keeping your car's cooling system running and preventing your car from overheating. It may seem like a simple fix to just replace a part, but the cooling system is a lot more complicated than you think and it won't be a quick fix. Plus, you run the risk of a $5,000+ bill if you end up with a blown engine... so maybe leave this one to our Orlando Toyota service experts. Our Orlando Toyota service experts can get to the bottom of your drive time issues Repair #4: Timing belt replacement. We know it's tempting to try and tackle this car repair on your own because it can get pricey to replace your timing belt. However, that's because it's a very labor-intensive job - you have to disassemble a big chunk of your engine to even reach the timing belt. On top of that, the timing belt is responsible for a ton of different processes inside your engine so if you mess the repair up, you could be in for a very expensive future bill. Repair #5: Transmission repairs. In order to perform repairs on your car's transmission, you need special tools AND expert knowledge. The transmission is a large part of the undercarriage and responsible for your car properly shifting gears, so if you repair it improperly, you're going nowhere fast. Leave this one to our car care experts for the best results! Have questions or think you might need a little expert assistance for your car repairs? Don't delay - call Toyota of Orlando today! We're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we're open seven days a week. You can call to schedule your appointment at (407) 298-0001.

When it comes to auto repairs, you can find your self spending a good chunk of money getting your car back where it needs to be. Cars are investments and expensive ones at that - keeping them in top shape is definitely a financial investment. However, there are easy and effective ways to allay costs and keep your monthly budget where it needs to be! A lot of auto repairs can be avoided if you keep up with car maintenance and routine care, and Toyota of Orlando is here to help. We sat down with our Toyota service techs to talk about the most expensive auto repairs and how you can avoid them. Check it out! What are some of the most expensive auto repairs out there? #1: Brake Lines Your brake lines are essential for safe and effective stopping power - without them, your entire braking system can fall into non-working order. They're a small part in the grand scheme of things, but replacing them can actually cost upwards of $1,000. The best way to prevent this auto repair is to consistently get brake service and have your braking system inspected so the issue can be caught early on. #2: A/C Compressor No one wants to brave Florida without A/C in their car but if the compressor in the system fails, you'll be doing just that OR shelling out big bucks to fix it ($500+). You can add freon to the system as a temporary solution but you're just delaying the inevitable. The best way to avoid an A/C compressor replacement is to maintain the system and have it inspected routinely by our Orlando Toyota service techs - they'll be able to spot anything that's wrong and fix it early. #3: Mass Airflow Sensor Your engine needs a steady flow of air to operate efficiently and to prevent mechanical problems, and both your air filters and mass airflow sensor are responsible for this. However, if you neglect your air filters, it can cause your mass airflow sensor to fail and cost you $400 or more to repair. The easiest way to avoid this auto repair is to routinely replace your air filters - it's a lot cheaper than fixing a broken sensor. #4: Head Gasket A blown head gasket means big trouble for your car - it can result in your car overheating, oil or coolant spray inside the engine bay, and white smoking flooding out of the vehicle. The really bad news? It can cost $2,000 or more to repair. However, you can avoid this issue by making sure you keep your coolant topped off and checking its condition regularly at our Toyota of Orlando service center. Let Toyota of Orlando help protect your wallet See? If you stick to a routine car maintenance schedule and let our Orlando auto service techs conduct the free multi-point inspection that we offer every time you come in, you're set - you can keep expensive auto repairs at bay and also keep your car running like-new for years to come. Schedule your appointment today - call (407) 298-0001 or come by and talk to one of our service advisors at 3575 Vineland Road. We're just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

Summer in Florida means plenty of sunshine and (overly) warm temperatures, sure. But what lots of out-of-towners don't realize is that it's also the time of year where we see daily thunderstorms! These patches of rain, lighting and wind tend to roll through in the afternoons and blow over quickly, but being out on the road during them is certainly less than pleasant. That's why you need to ensure that your car can handle it, and you should start with your car wiper blades. Do you know when to replace your windshield wipers? Toyota of Orlando is here to give you the basics of this very important part. Kick off rainy season with these Orlando Toyota tips: When to replace your windshield wipers When the rain starts, you want to ensure you have a clear field of vision out of your windshield. (Oh, and don't forget to turn on your headlights, too.) This keeps you safe and helps you avoid accidents but to achieve a clear field of vision, you need car wiper blades that are in good condition. However, much like the other parts on your car the car wiper blades don't last forever and will need to be replaced from time to time. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you troubleshoot your wipers and figure out when to replace your windshield wipers. Check out signs from our auto service experts below! Sign #1: You see streaks on your windshield when you use them. If you turn on your wipers but just see water smearing around on the windshield or have noticeable streaks left after each swipe, then it's time to replace your windshield wipers. Your wipers should completely clear the glass every time they pass over it. Sign #2: They make a groaning or chattering noise on the wet windshield. Ugh, that noise - it's the worst. If your car wiper blades are making a chattering or groaning noise every time they run over the glass then it's time to replace them. This noise indicates that the blades aren't hitting the glass correctly. Sign #3: They're not hitting certain parts of the windshield. Speaking of not hitting the glass, if you notice spots on your windshield where the blades suddenly aren't quite reaching (like the corners or a random spot in the middle), it's time to both replace the rubber part and take a look at the arms to ensure they're not damaged. Sign #4: You can see visible damage to the blades. The rubber on the blades will wear out over time just like any other part. You'll notice deterioration in the form of cracks, splitting, tearing, and other imperfections. When the blades get into this state, they can't properly clean your windshield anymore and if not replaced, could scratch the glass. Sign #5: The arms are bent or damaged. If you find that the arms of even the metal parts of the blades are damaged due to mishandling, etc. then they definitely need to be replaced so they don't damage the glass on your windshield. You may also need to change car wiper blades coming into a new season, especially if you're heading into winter weather. Regular wipers aren't meant to withstand the harshness of snow and ice and will deteriorate quickly. Let our Orlando Toyota service center replace your car wiper blades today Is it time to replace your windshield wipers? Call Toyota of Orlando - we can help! You can reach our parts and service center at (407) 298-0001.

Lovebug season... two words that strike dread into the hearts of Floridians. These pesky bugs may only show up for a few months a year throughout the Southeast, but a few months is more than enough for them to do major damage to your car. Toyota of Orlando is here with auto service hacks to help you battle lovebug season with no damage to your vehicle (or your sanity). Let's get started! How can such a small bug do so much damage to your ride? First, let's talk about lovebugs themselves. There's a big myth that the University of Florida created them and then released them by accident, but these annoying insects actually hail from South and Central America. They don't bite or sting, and they don't do damage to plants or crops during their brief appearances. They tend to swarm in the Southeastern states but we see the worst of them in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. They even have their uses - their larvae feed on decomposing plant and animal matter, so they help when it comes to natural recycling. However, they're a nuisance and because they're very acidic and hard to wash off, they can do major damage to the paint on your car. Toyota of Orlando's tips for handling lovebug season So, how do you protect your ride? Check out some of our Orlando Toyota service suggestions to protect your vehicle from lovebug damage. Apply a good coat of wax, and then apply another. This creates a barrier between your car and the bugs, so they're less likely to eat away at the paint after they splatter onto it. Try spraying your car with cooking oil or baby oil before you hit the road. This makes your vehicle slick so it's easier to spray the dead bugs off. But be careful and be sure to check with our Orlando Toyota service techs before you try this method - some oils don't play well with some paints, and you don't want to damage your ride further. Additionally, using oil means you'll have to use a little elbow grease to get it off so you don't leave streaks on your car. Wash your car every day as soon as you get home. The longer you leave the dead lovebugs on there, the more apt they are to do damage to your car's paint (and they're way harder to scrub off if you've left them on for a while). Try using a dryer sheet. If you rinse the front of your car and gently scrub it with a dryer sheet, the bug corpses should come right off. Invest in a car mask, grille filter, or even a windscreen to prevent the bugs from ever reaching your car's paint. Plan long-distance trips after sundown - they're a lot less likely to swarm after this point in the day. Need a little help in the paint department already? Call us at Toyota of Orlando! Our body shop techs can get your car looking like new in no time. You can reach us today at (407) 298-0001.

Do you have a car with an audio system that's seen better days? If you're considering driving around with your airpods in just to get your music fix, don't - not only is that super dangerous, it's also easy to upgrade your audio system and get it up-to-date in terms of technology. Check out our Toyota of Orlando guide to doing just that below! How difficult is it to upgrade your car's audio system? Before you get started, you should know that majorly upgrading your audio system COULD require some expertise when it comes to car parts and installation. If you're not comfortable, then you're best scheduling an appointment with our Orlando Toyota service center to get things where they need to go. However, if you're OK with tackling the project on your own, here are the steps you should take. Tip #1: Plan ahead and go slowly. This is a project, and it's likely not something you can achieve in one day to get the system you REALLY want. Plus, you don't want to bust your budget. Decide exactly what you want out of your car's sound system before you start buying parts. What's most important to you? Is the quality of the sound your top priority? Do you want a different infotainment system for better convenience? Do you want to turn up the bass? Figure out what your needs are before you dive in. Tip #2: Start with a new head unit or receiver. If you're replacing the audio system as a whole, this is the most important part to start with. You'll be able to upgrade your infotainment capabilities like navigation, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, and more. This new part also ensures that your new speakers will get enough power when you hook them up. Tip #3: Shop for speakers. You don't want tinny old speakers hooked up to your new receiver. Count how many speakers you need - our new Orlando Toyotas range anywhere from 4 to 10 speakers - and figure out how many of them you want to actually replace for quality sound. Our tip? Start at the front where YOU sit and then move back. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> What Orlando Toyota parts should you be shopping for? Tip #4: Invest in an amplifier. New speakers mean more power will be needed to get them up and running, and you don't want it to have a negative effect on your car's battery. An amplifier will distribute power more efficiently. For a typical sound system, a four-channel amplifier will get the job done but if you add more speakers, you'll want to consider an amp with additional channels. Tip #5: Think about a subwoofer. If you want more bass,  you're going to need one. A subwoofer is a certain type of speaker that adds a deeper sound to your audio and can even shake your car if turned up loud enough. Just remember, this is a BIG speaker and will likely need to go in your trunk, so make sure you have enough space in your Orlando Toyota. Think you're ready to start shopping or want a little guidance with your new audio system? Call our Toyota parts center at Toyota of Orlando! Our parts specialists can get you on the right path. You can reach them today at (407) 298-4500.

When it comes to taking care of what's under the hood of your car, sometimes it can be like speaking another language. And if you're not well-versed in that language, it's stressful to even visit the mechanic and routine service! We like to educate our customers so not only do they know how to keep their car in tip-top shape, they also feel comfortable when they come to see us for routine car care or to repair something that's on the fritz. Check out these five common car care questions that we often hear and the answers to them to make yourself feel a bit more at home when it comes to what goes on under the hood. What car care questions do you have for us? #1: Can I switch from conventional oil to synthetic and vice versa? Most of the time, yes. But not all of the time. Some drivers prefer synthetic oil in their engines because it's cleaner, lasts longer than conventional oil, and some even claim it improves performance. Other drivers prefer conventional oil because it's what they're used to and is also more affordable than synthetic oil (although it doesn't last as long). You can really use either type as long as your car doesn't require a specific type of oil. Ask our Orlando Toyota car care experts what's best for your ride. #2: Should I listen to my instrument panel, my owner's manual, or my mechanic when it comes to routine car care? Always defer to the instrument panel first - those warning lights come on for a reason. After that, you should listen to your car care technician. When they're under the hood they may spot issues that need to be taken care of (like an oil leak or overuse of coolant) that could call for a change in your routine schedule. However, you can use your owner's manual for a backup when it comes to figuring out about how often you should be making an appointment at our Orlando Toyota service center. #3: Do I need to use premium gasoline to get the best fuel mileage? No. This is a pretty common myth - in fact, using premium fuel will do nothing but jack up your fuel costs when you stop to fill up. You only need to use premium fuel if your car requires it, which you can figure out by looking in the owner's manual. #4: Do I REALLY have to change my timing belt? YES. We know - it's expensive because there's so much labor involved in it. But your timing belt is crucial to your car's performance. If it breaks while you're out on the road, it can cause serious damage to the other components of your engine. It also ensures that everything is running smoothly under the hood. Never skip out on this important car care appointment - your wallet will thank you in the long run. #5: Should I worry about changing out all-weather tires for winter tires? Possibly. All-weather tires are perfect for drivers here in Orlando and in the south in general; they can handle everything from the heat of summer to the icy roads we sometimes see in the winter. However, if you live in a climate where you see heavy snowfall, lots of ice, and extreme cold temperatures, then you need to schedule a car care appointment to make the switch. Winter tires are more pliable and provide more traction in extreme temperatures. Let our Orlando Toyota service techs put your mind at ease Have more car care questions? Call Toyota of Orlando's service center today at (407) 298-0001 or swing by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Did you know that hurricane season begins June 1? It may seem far off, but in reality it's less than 8 weeks away (and let's not forget, storms can start swirling around even before then). Why not start prepping your car now and save yourself time, money, and stress? Whether you're staying in town or planning to evacuate when the bad weather arrives, you want your car to be in the best shape to carry out your plans. Toyota of Orlando's auto service techs are here with tips to get you prepped and ready for 2019's hurricane season now. Are you prepared for hurricane season to arrive? #1: Take a good, long look under the hood. When was the last time you had a multi-point inspection? When you visit Toyota of Orlando, it's complimentary. Our auto service techs will take a look under the hood to see if there are any developing issues. They can check all of the parts in the engine bay, look for excessive wear and tear, point out any leaks, and advise you if something looks like it's about to take a turn for the worse. This can save you a ton of time and money - get your car in top running shape BEFORE hurricane season arrives. #2: Fix any outstanding service issues. Have you been meaning to get that auto repair but just haven't gotten around to it? Whether it's something like a cracked windshield or tires that need to be replaced, take care of it NOW. The last thing you want is to have a major issue when you're trying to evacuate - it could prevent you from leaving altogether or leave you stranded on the road on your way out of town. Schedule Orlando auto repairs before hurricane season gets here to fix the issues and beat the rush. #3: Make sure you're up to date on your basic auto service musts When was the last time you got an oil change to keep your engine cool and lubricated? What about a tire inspection and rotation to check tread depth and PSI? Or the last time you had your battery inspected and tested for voltage? Get on a routine auto service schedule now. Our techs can get the initial services taken care of and schedule you for future services at the proper intervals. This will ensure your car is always in the best shape possible. And don't forget to stock your car appropriately. You should have emergency supplies on hand for your evacuation. First, know your evacuation routes and have them written down (or at least stored in your phone). Put a paper map in the glovebox, and keep supplies like jumper cables, a spare tire and tire jack, a phone charger, a flashlight and a first aid kit in your trunk. This will make it easier to pack when it's time to hit the road. Schedule preparatory auto service today at Toyota of Orlando Prep for hurricane season NOW - call Toyota of Orlando to schedule your auto service and get it out of the way!

Summer is on its way! Spring has definitely sprung here in Central Florida - the weather is warming up, the skies are blue, and it's time to hit the road and head to the beach, the trails, the springs, and more. However, you want to ensure that your car is not only prepped and ready, but also that it looks good for the drive. If you're a DIY type of driver who likes to tackle car care in their own driveway, check it out - here are 5 car wash tips to help you get your ride like-new in a matter of minutes. Car wash like a pro in your own driveway Tip #1: Use the right products. It's essential to use the right products when you're conducting a car wash. Using the wrong soap - like dish soap - can actually strip the wax off of your car AND dull the shine and paint. On top of that, the wrong product can even damage your clear coat or paint and leave you susceptible to rust. Pick the right products, and if you're not sure which is best for your car, ask our Orlando Toyota parts store. We keep plenty of car wash products in stock and can point you in the right direction. Tip #2: Don't wash in the sun. It's tempting to work on your tan while you wash, but don't do it. The key to a clean car is keeping it thoroughly wet while you're washing, soaping, and rinsing. If you wash in the direct sunlight, it's likely that water will dry quickly in certain areas and leave you with annoying water spots. Wash in the shade or try to wash your car in the early morning or early evening when the sun isn't so harsh. If all else fails, just make sure to keep the entire car wet while you wash. Tip #3: If you drop something on the ground, don't use it again. If you drop your sponge, don't pick it up and use it again. Chances are that even if you rinse it off, sand or dirt particles will still be stuck on it. If you proceed to use it, the sand or dirt can actually cause tiny scratches in the clearcoat or paint. Keep an extra sponge and cloth handy! Tip #4: Dry with microfiber. When drying your car - which you'll want to do by hand so you don't get water spots - opt for a microfiber towel. Other fabrics can be abrasive on your car's paint and they're not as good when it comes to absorption. Shop our Orlando Toyota parts store for microfiber options. Tip #5: Top it off with a coat of wax. Finish off your car wash with a fresh coat of wax 3-4 times a year. Wax will protect your paint and keep it shiny, saving you time and money in the long run. Just remember not to wax your car in direct sunlight, either. Shop Toyota of Orlando's parts store for supplies Want more car wash tips or need supplies? Call Toyota of Orlando today! You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Getting auto repairs is never fun. There's no getting around that - they take your car off the road for a while and can also put a dent in your wallet. However, they're definitely not something you want to put off. Delaying auto repairs can result in worse damage to your vehicle and a more expensive bill in the end. You may be able to wait a couple of weeks to address that check engine light or look for the source of a leak in your coolant lines, but there are certain repairs you never want to delay. Toyota of Orlando's service techs are here to explain! Never ignore these 4 major auto repairs There are a few major repairs that can spell trouble for your ride if you avoid getting them taken care of right away. Here are the big ones you should never ignore. #1: Battery light. When your battery light comes on, it means there's an issue with your car battery or alternator that need to be tended to ASAP. If you ignore this particular problem, you'll likely find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a dead alternator, dead battery, or both. This means you'll need a jump or a tow to get to our Orlando Toyota service center to replace the battery, which also means more money out of your pocket. Save yourself the headache and bring your car to us right away if you notice this light come on in your dash. #2: Timing belt. The timing belt is an essential part of your car's inner workings; it's also one of the most expensive auto repairs to deal with since it's so labor-intensive to replace. However, you should never ignore the signs that you need a new one (like ticking noises, engine misfiring, a car that won't start) because if the timing belt breaks when your car is in motion, it can actually damage other parts of your engine. #3: Faulty brakes. This is a pretty obvious one - if you're having problems bringing your car to a stop, then you DEFINITELY need Orlando auto repairs right away. You shouldn't even attempt to drive a car with faulty brakes; have it towed straight to our service center. Additionally, if your brakes are making squealing noises or are shuddering when you press them, then bring your car in - this is a sign you need new brake pads and if you delay that quick and easy service, you can damage your brake rotors (they're a lot more expensive to fix). #4: Overheated engine. NEVER ignore an overheated engine. When your engine overheats and you try to drive anyway, you can do serious and permanent damage to not only your car's engine but also other parts under the hood. This can add up to VERY costly repairs. Schedule your repairs today at Toyota of Orlando Need to schedule auto service or repairs right away? Call Toyota of Orlando now - we're open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida.